Stroke Risk Factors

Certain conditions – such as elevated blood pressure or cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, smoking, a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or lack of exercise – put a person at greater risk for stroke. Multiple risk factors increase your chance of a stroke. Working with a health care professional to develop a healthier lifestyle can help you reduce your risk for stroke.

Stroke Risk Factors You Can Control or Treat

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

High blood pressure is the most important risk factor for stroke. If your blood pressure is high, speak to your provider about lowering it.

Tobacco Use

Smoking almost doubles the risk for a stroke, so avoid smoking as well as second-hand smoke. Tobacco use damages your blood vessels, which can lead to blockages within blood vessels and cause a stroke. Your provider can recommend programs and medications that may help you quit smoking or vaping. Get help quitting smoking >

High Cholesterol (Bad Cholesterol)

High LDL cholesterol increases the risk of blocked arteries. If an artery leading to the brain becomes blocked, a stroke can result. High cholesterol can often be controlled with diet and exercise, but some people may need to take medications. Ask a health care professional what your cholesterol numbers should be.

Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) or Other Heart Disease

Atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter are an irregular heart rhythms in which the heart’s upper chambers quiver rather than beating in an organized, rhythmic way. This causes the blood to pool and clot, increasing the risk of stroke by five times. Learn more about atrial fibrillation treatment >

Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs)

Recognizing and treating transient ischemic attacks can reduce the risk of a major stroke. TIAs are a medical emergency and produce stroke-like symptoms, but most have no lasting effects because they usually resolve quickly. Know the warning signs of a TIA and seek emergency medical treatment immediately by calling 9-1-1. Learn more about transient ischemic attacks >

Diabetes

Diabetes means there is too much glucose in your blood, while your cells don’t receive enough energy. Over time, this glucose can lead to increased fatty deposits or clots on the insides of the blood vessel walls. These clots can narrow or block the blood vessels in the brain or neck, cutting off the blood supply, stopping oxygen from getting to the brain and causing a stroke. People with diabetes are up to four times as likely to have a stroke as someone who does not have the disease. Keeping up with treatment for diabetes can delay the onset of complications that increase the risk of stroke. Learn more about diabetes treatment >

Certain Blood Disorders

A high red blood cell count makes clotting more likely and raises the risk of stroke. Sickle cell anemia increases stroke risk because the “sickled” cells stick to blood vessel walls and may block arteries.

Carotid or Other Artery Disease

The carotid arteries in the neck supply most of the blood to the brain. A carotid artery damaged by a fatty buildup of plaque inside the artery wall may restrict blood flow to the brain, causing a stroke. Learn more >

Excessive Alcohol Intake

Drinking an average of more than one drink per day for women or more than two drinks per day for men can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of stroke. Tips for cutting back >

Illegal Drug Use

Illegal drug use carries a high stroke risk. Cocaine use has been linked to stroke. Illegal drugs commonly cause hemorrhagic strokes.

Sedentary Lifestyle

Every bit of exercise helps improve your health and can reduce the risk of stroke. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends moderate exercise at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week. Before starting a vigorous exercise program, speak with your doctor.